[SURVEY] 73 percent worried about falling victim to credit card scams

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Millions of Americans fall victim to credit card scams each year. With people relying less on cash and instead making more purchases online, credit card fraud has become a widespread problem. For instance, 2021 was considered one of the most eventful years for credit card fraud, with around 2.8 million consumers filing reports with the Federal Trade Commission. 

Scammers evolve each year, keeping up with new technology and taking advantage of people using remote and digital payment options. If you’re someone who regularly uses a credit or debit card, it’s possible you can one day become a victim of fraud as well. Staying up to date on credit card scams is one of the best ways to stay safe. 

This recent survey examines how people feel about scams and the likelihood that they too could be a victim—hopefully helping you better protect yourself in the future.

Methodology

This survey was conducted for CreditRepair.com using Suzy.com. The sample consisted of a total of 1,031 responses per question and is not statistically representative of the general population. This survey was conducted in September 2022.

73 percent of people are worried they’ll fall for a credit card scam

Most survey participants reported being worried they’ll fall victim to credit card fraud at some point in their lifetime. This worry is especially prevalent in older generations. Nearly 85 percent of those over age 65 say they’re somewhat or very concerned about being scammed.

Criminals often go after older adults because they believe this age group has more money and is more vulnerable. The National Council on Aging reports that 92,371 older adults were impacted by fraud in 2021, resulting in a loss of $1.7 billion. Common financial scams that target this population include:

• Government impersonation
• Sweepstakes and lottery scams
• Robocalls/phone scams
• Computer tech support scams
• Investment scams
• Medicare and health insurance scams

One common scam targets those receiving Social Security benefits. Scammers may claim to be the Social Security Administration calling to inform individuals they were overpaid benefits they must pay back or were underpaid and the administration needs their bank account information.

The scammers’ intention is to get your bank account information or credit card details. Financial scams like these often go unreported and are extremely difficult to prosecute.

Scammers often warn of devastating consequences, such as imminent financial loss, permanent loss of data or rights or even jail time for failing to provide payment urgently.

Most people find credit card scams annoying

When asked how they felt about credit card scams, 36 percent of survey respondents reported feeling annoyed. Additionally, 19 percent said they were frustrated, and 13 percent said seeing signs of credit card scams makes them feel scared. Adults over the age of 50 say they are most affected, but all age groups show a high level of anxiety about such scams.

Credit card scams can be tricky to catch, especially if the scammer has been doing it for a while. People often fall victim to fraud without even realizing what happened. Being knowledgeable of the biggest scams circulating and the warning signs of fraudulent activity can help protect your financial assets. Here are some common red flags to look out for:

• Unsolicited calls, texts or emails: Increased communication from unknown numbers or strangers through email or social media is a sign you’re most likely being targeted by scammers. 
• Suspicious activity bank alerts: Financial institutions and the three major credit bureaus all use anti-fraud services, such as credit monitoring, to track suspicious activity on their customers’ accounts, such as attempts to open a new line of credit or alter personal details on an existing account. 
• Unauthorized charges to credit card accounts: Check for signs of payment activity or transactions you have no knowledge of making. Scammers will usually start small before attempting a bigger theft. 

There are many types of scams in circulation. Scammers may try to manipulate online shoppers into accepting deals or online rewards.

For instance, you may be promised coupons or discounts in exchange for purchasing items. Instead of a legitimate reward, the scammer will send a link that triggers a malicious piece of software on your device so they can gain access to your credit card information. 

Interest rate reduction scams are some of the most common over-the-phone deceptions. The caller usually claims to be from a company that can reduce the interest rate on your credit card, saving you thousands of dollars per year. By saying it’s a limited offer, the callers pressure individuals into providing their credit card information for fake services and steal their money. 

Websites and social media are areas of concern

The internet has created even more opportunities for fraudulent activity. Fifty percent of survey respondents said they’re worried about encountering credit card scams on websites or social media.

Scammers create fake social media profiles and posts to steal people’s private information. They may even use the name of a real company with a link to a fake website that prompts individuals to enter their credit card or bank account numbers, Social Security number or additional sensitive information. 

Scammers will also use malware to steal the username and password of an existing social media account, then contact the person’s friends or family with requests for money or to send fraudulent links. Malicious emails and phishing scams are used similarly to steal personal data.

In the survey, 21 percent of participants reported being concerned about email credit card scams.

Email phishing scams also use legitimate company information to send fraudulent links or instructions to steal sensitive information. Some even pose as real credit card companies, hoping to access your financial information, such as credit card or account details, to use for themselves or sell to other scammers. They may even pose as a bank or utility company and send messages with claims such as:

• There’s a problem with your payment information or account
• You’re eligible to register for a government refund
• They’ve noticed suspicious activity or log-in attempts on your account
• You need to confirm financial or personal information
• The link they send can be used to make a payment for your next bill

The email will probably look real, but it’s not. If it opens with a generic greeting, says your account is on hold because of a billing problem or invites you to click on a link to update payment details, it may be a scam, especially if it’s from a company you’ve never done business with. 

What more can you do to protect your information?

As scary as credit card scams can be, there are plenty of ways to protect your financial and personal information. Take quick action when fraudulent activity occurs and follow these steps:

• Freeze your accounts: Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to freeze the compromised account. Most financial institutions have security measures in case of scams. 
• Place a fraud alert to protect your accounts: Protect your other credit cards and credit score by activating a fraud alert with all three credit bureaus. This can prevent future thefts. 
• Don’t email account information: Avoid sending sensitive data through email, especially if you’re using an unsecured internet connection. Scammers sometimes generate a pop-up on your screen to make it look legitimate and trick you into revealing information.
• Use multifactor authentication: Requiring two or more credentials to log in to your accounts can make it harder for scammers to access your information. These extra credentials include answering a security question or receiving a verification passcode via text or email in addition to entering your password. 
• Check your bank and credit card statements routinely: Look for any unfamiliar transactions or payments, especially low dollar amounts. Scammers will often start small to validate your account before making riskier purchases. 

Fraudulent activity can negatively impact your credit score in a significant way and take a long time to fix. If you’ve been affected by a credit card scam, an experienced credit repair service can help. CreditRepair.com can evaluate the damage and determine the best way to improve your credit. Take a free online credit evaluation today and get your finances back on track.

Note: The information provided on CreditRepair.com does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only.

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